Dallas might be the best 4-seed in NBA history, in this spot by the non-grace of being in the same division with the Spurs, which sets up a hell of a round 2 match, but that's for later. I do like this Memphis team a lot and they will give Dallas a few tense moments, but Dallas is just a richer version of the same model.

Mavs in 6

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Phoenix (2) versus L.A. Lakers (7)

All those who thought Phoenix would be a #2 seed when it was announced the Amare was going to have surgery, raise your hands. Nope, me neither. As far as this series goes, it all depends on two things: whose style of play rules the court (The Sun & Gun v. The Big Chief Triangle) and how Phoenix finds a way to not have You Know Who not take over games. Their trouble is going to come if they don't have a big enough cushion in the 4th quarter and Kobe can have the oppertunity to take over. The Suns' best bet is to go for the knockout early in these games and be able to hit from the outside. But if the Lakers can make it a half-court series, all bets are off. But for now:

Phoenix in 5

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Denver (3) vs L.A. Clippers (6)

I love a series like this: two young teams set to knock the piss out of each other to see who can climp the heap first. Both teams have some good depth to them, but it comes down to the team MVPs, Brand and Anthony and whoever can do more in the 4th quarter will take it. Also, either one of these teams is a potential headache matchup for Phoenix in the next round, and this series is probably pick-em on paper except that Denver looked stronger down the stretch.

Nuggets in 7=====

San Antonio (1) vs Sacramento (8)

A month ago, Sacramento was the team no one wanted to play in the first round thanks to their surgence as a defensive force-- this team has redefined itself with the Webber/Peja trades, trading for rebounders/defenders and giving more of a scoring onus to Wells/Bibby with Artest doing what he does along with it. And they've come together quickly, but not fast enough to take on a defending champ and win. To quote the late Don Adams, sorry about that Chief.

The Kings have become a lot more dangerous now that they have two of the Pacers' best players instead of one, heh, and they would probably have a very good shot against most teams in the playoffs... but the Spurs are the defending champions and they've been down this road before.

It'll be a competitive series, though. My pick is, Spurs in 6.

#2 Phoenix Suns vs. #7 Los Angeles Lakers

Surprising to see the Suns still managed to make it to the second seed despite not having Amare for little more than a cup of coffee this year. I think it's because the Suns are a very good team, whereas the Lakers, we all know, are Kobe Bryant and 11 Guys Who Suck. And of course, I blame Kobe for that.

Suns win in 5, 6 tops, and Kobe goes back to whatever it is he does in the offseason.

#3 Denver Nuggets vs. #6 Los Angeles Clippers

The Clippers will have home-court advantage in this series despite the fact that they're playing the Northwest Division Champions. Hell, the Nuggets have the same record as the number eight- seeded Sacramento Kings, and yet they get to raise a division championship banner in their rafters!

This year's Northwest Division was very much like this year's (and last year's) Atlantic Division-- you win by being less sucky than everybody else.

Anyhoo, the Clippers won't even supposed to get anywhere near the playoffs this year, because they're, y'know, the Clippers, but they're a confident group of kids who'll be doing their best to eliminate all the Clippers jokes from the face of the universe. (That way, we'll have no choice but to pick on the Warriors or Blazers from now on).

Clippers in 7, as the critical Game-7-at-home advantage goes their way.

#4 Dallas Mavericks vs. #5 Memphis Grizzlies

The Grizzlies are a very young and talented team, but the Mavericks have been rejuvenated this year and the Grizzlies don't really have much of a chance.

The Griz might steal one away, but that'll be all they get, as my prediction is Mavericks in 5.

I dont think this series will be as competitive as others have said. Spurs in 5.

#2 Phoenix Suns vs. #7 Los Angeles Lakers

Originally posted by Ekedolphinwhereas the Lakers, we all know, are Kobe Bryant and 11 Guys Who Suck. And of course, I blame Kobe for that.

Waitaminute! Lamar Odom is pretty good again, right? And lookit Kwame Brown, he had a string of double-doubles in a row! That means he's no longer a #1 draft pick bust too, right? NO? OK, fine. But that still doesnt make any of that Kobe's fault!

While I appreciate the chances other people have given My Lakers, and you know I love them, I cant imagine them beating the Suns more than once. Suns in 5.

#3 Denver Nuggets vs. #6 Los Angeles Clippers

The only thing going against The Formerly Lowly Clippers at this point is the fact that they intentionally threw their last 5-6 games. Since it's been so long since they've actually TRIED to win a game, I cant imagine they have a whole lot of momentum going into this series. I still think they'll win though, so I say Clippers in 6.

#4 Dallas Mavericks vs. #5 Memphis Grizzlies

I dont have any detailed analysis to go along with it, but my pick is Mavericks in 5, mostly because they're just plain better than the Grizzlies.

After all that, it's down to Spurs/Mavs & Suns/Clippers. Spurs over the Mavs, Suns over the Clipps, Spurs win it all.

now I might be behind on the news or whatever, but why are the Clipper's games being held in the Staples Center? I looked on the Clippers website but nothing was said. Sorry if this is a stupid question but I dont watch many Clippers games....

Originally posted by BigTimbonow I might be behind on the news or whatever, but why are the Clipper's games being held in the Staples Center? I looked on the Clippers website but nothing was said. Sorry if this is a stupid question but I dont watch many Clippers games....

Clippers and Lakers moved from the L.A. Arena and Forum respectively to the Staples Center upon its opening.Now, if it is why the 6 seed is hosting the 3 seed, it is because home court is based on record in the NBA, not seed.